Trade talk: Melbourne boss confirms Petracca's desired exit

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Melbourne star Christian Petracca has commenced his search for a new club, with Demons' CEO Paul Guerra confirming the midfielder's desire to leave the club.

Petracca landed in Adelaide on Monday, with SEN’s Tom Morris reporting that he’s completed a medical with the Crows as he weighs up a move away from the Demons.

And according to Trade Radio's Cal Twomey, Guerra has confirmed Petracca's position, with the club aware that the star is on the verge of a move elsewhere.

"We met with Christian late last week where he expressed his desire to explore a fresh start in 2026," Guerra said in a letter to members.

"Christian is contracted for a further four years and is a once in a generation player. With this in mind, any decision regarding Christian’s future will be made in the best interest of the Melbourne Football Club."

"This has been coming for a while now and it's about where he wants to get to," Twomey confirmed on Trade Radio.

"It's happening and is about satisfying Melbourne in a deal. The split has to happen.

"He never met with any clubs last year even though he wanted out. He is less emotional this year. Gold Coast is best placed to deal with Melbourne."

Reports have suggested that the 29-year-old is now willing to move interstate this off-season after he tried to leave the Demons in 2024 to rival Victorian clubs only.

As first reported by Seven’s Josh Money, the Demons star arrived with his manager Anna Scullie and wife Bella, and Morris has now added that he's also spoken to Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick in recent days.

According to Morris, Melbourne's stance has softened surrounding Petracca after they gave him the 'green light' to explore a move last week.

“Christian Petracca is a wanted man, he’s speaking to not one, but two clubs recently,” Morris told Nine News.

“He met with Adelaide today and had a medical, but I can also tell you tonight he’s also chatted to Damien Hardwick and the Suns in recent days.

“Melbourne is open to negotiating a trade for Petracca, their stance has softened since last year.

“My understanding is the club gave Petracca the green light to have a look around last week knowing they hold all the cards and won’t trade him for anything less than they believe he’s worth.

“So, it’s the Suns and Crows who are exploring a move for the Norm Smith Medallist who hasn’t made up his mind yet and has four years remaining on his deal.”

Given that Petracca is contracted until the end of 2029, the Crows would need to offer the Demons a trade to get him across to West Lakes.

With that in mind, Trade Radio duo Liam Pickering and Cam Luke discussed what could get the deal done.

Pickering: “Christian Petracca has landed in Adelaide. Is this something that will actually get done?

“What does it take, (pick) 14 and a future first? That will get it done, I reckon.

“The problem with that future first is (it could be 18 if they win the flag).”

Luke: “There’s a big difference with where they land.

“People will get sick of us speaking about this. You’ve got to think logically about this.

“That could end up pick 24 or 25 next year (if they finish 1st), that changes the entirety of what it means.”

As well as pick 14 in this year’s draft, Adelaide has their full draft hands in 2026 and 2027.

Clubs can now trade first picks two years in advance, bringing those 2027 selections into potential discussions.